IN HOC SIGNO VINCES

Authorities in Florida warned residents that “going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice” following a series of burglary arrests as Hurricane Irma was slamming the state with heavy rains and winds.

Police Chief Rick Maglione warned people in the statement that “Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice” and residents should instead “Stay home and look after your loved ones and be thankful they are all safe.”

The Miami-Dade Police Department also said on Twitter that there were 28 arrests for looting.

Similar warnings were issued by other police departments across the state. “Any looters who come to Pembroke Pines will be greeted by our officers. Choose wisely and stay home,” wrote the Pembroke Pines Police Department.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office, meanwhile, wrote: “ATTENTION LOOTERS; Every incident will be investigated. Evidence collected will be used to pursue charges after the fact.”

The warning came hours after a Broward deputy shot a 17-year-old burglary suspect in Weston, Fla. The out-of-town homeowners spotted a burglary in progress on their home security cameras and called the Broward Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.

Dylan Lemon of Weston was shot outside the home about 3 a.m. Sunday, officials said. He went to the hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He and his alleged accomplice Jean Coello, 17, also of Weston, were charged with burglary and grand theft.